Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
FALL 2016
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Sign up to receive THE SNAG
and to find other information
about our nature and
conservation programs at:
http://parks.arlingtonva.us
FALL INTO FUN
NATURE PROGRAMS!
REGISTRATION
BEGINS
August 15, 2016
I t happens every autumn, the leaves turn color
and then drop to the ground. So why don’t the
leaves pile up to the branches along with all the
twigs, branches, and logs that fall throughout the
year? A vast army of organisms recycles all that or-
ganic material back into the soil, releasing nutrients
that support new plant growth. This critical task goes
on virtually unseen by humans.
Fungi and bacteria do the heavy lifting on the forest
floor, decomposing 80 – 90% of the detritus. But oth-
er than mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of fungi, de-
composers are mostly visible only under high magnifi-
cation. More visible, if you know how to see them,
are a wide variety of animals that help to break down
all that stuff falling from the trees. Though some are
microscopic or nearly so, others are visible with the
naked eye or with a hand lens.
Collectively, these animals are called litter critters,
since they dwell in the leaf litter covering the forest
floor. Perhaps the best known litter critters are
earthworms, which emerge from their burrows at
night to feed on dead leaves. Another familiar litter
critter is the roly-poly or pill bug. Roly-polies are
crustaceans rather than insects and breathe through
gills. To keep their gills moist, roly-polies usually stay
in the moist microclimate under leaves, logs or other
cover.
Other readily visible litter critters include slugs,
snails, millipedes, adult beetles, beetle grubs and fly
larvae. Much smaller, and usually found under logs,
termites play a huge role in decomposing fallen
branches and logs. This is because they are among
the few animals capable of digesting cellulose, the
major component of wood. Smaller still are various
springtails, or collembola, and mites. These are best
appreciated through a hand lens, although you might
spot a bright red velvet mite walking across the dead
leaves with your own eyes.
Not all litter critters eat leaf litter. Spiders, centi-
pedes, ground beetles and other tiny predators hunt
the forest floor for other litter critters. And the dan-
ger isn’t limited to predatory invertebrates. Salaman-
ders, relative giants in this world, feed on inverte-
brate predators and detritivores alike. It’s a real jun-
gle down there!
You can get a glimpse of this world by sifting a few
handfuls of leaf litter through some hardware cloth
onto a white sheet, and then watch for tiny creatures
to start moving. A small jar or bug box will help you
detain some of these critters for a closer look. But
be sure to put them back in the leaf litter to continue
their important work. They are tiny, but they are
essential to the health of the forest. Join us as we
look for Litter Critters in Glencarlyn Park near the
Long Branch Nature Center. (see pg. 6)
GULF BRANCH NATURE CENTER
3608 Military Road
Arlington, VA 22207
703-228-3403
LONG BRANCH NATURE CENTER
625 S. Carlin Springs Road
Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-6535
FORT C.F. SMITH PARK
2411 N. 24th St.
Arlington, VA 22207
703-243-4342
Litter Critters
Photo by Yolanda Villacampa
2 The SNAG — Arlington County’s Guide to Nature and History Programs
The Snag is published quarterly by Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation Conservation & Interpretation Section. Our mission is to
increase enjoyment, understanding and stewardship of Arlington's
natural and cultural resources through outreach and education.
Sign up to receive THE SNAG and to find other information about our
nature and conservation programs at http://parks.arlingtonva.us
Walk and Bike to School Day 2016
Wednesday, October 5
Join WalkArlington, BikeArlington, Arlington Public
Schools and kids and families around the globe by
walking or biking to school on Walk and Bike to
School Day 2016 – Wednesday, October 5! This
energizing annual event reminds parents and kids
alike of the simple joy of walking to school while
focusing attention on the importance of physical
activity, safety and walkable communities. For more
information on Walk and Bike to School Day and
ideas on getting involved here in Arlington, get in
touch with your school, contact
[email protected], or visit
www.walktoschool.org and
www.walkarlington.com.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO REMOVE
INVASIVES AND RESTORE HABITAT
Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up. Want to increase species diversity right here in Arlington? Work parties
are held every month and are making a real difference, with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that
depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive invasive plants. Help make it happen! Call nature centers for
information. No registration is required.
Second Saturdays
Gulf Branch Nature Center, 703-228-3403
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2 - 4pm
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 - 4pm
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 - 4pm
Third Sundays
Long Branch Nature Center, 703-228-6535
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2 - 4pm
Sunday, Nov. 20, 2 - 4pm
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2 - 4pm
Nature Study for Adults
Fall 2016 3
Birding Trips Afield
Come birding with us! Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch, a drink and snacks
for the day. The trips may include walking over uneven terrain and gentle slopes. For information: 703-228-3403.
Meet at the Lubber Run Community Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA BIRD CLUB WALKS Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for one or all of these informal
walks through Long Branch and Glencarlyn Parks in search of resident and
migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and
field guides. For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at the parking lot at Long
Branch Nature Center. Free.
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 8:30 - 11am #612946-A
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 8:30 - 11am #612946-B
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 8:30 - 11am #612946-C
FALL MIGRANTS WALK
Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 - 9:30am
Join us as we search the woods around Long Branch
Nature Center for warblers, thrushes and other fall
migrants passing through on their way south. We’ll
also cover some of the challenges of fall warbler
identification and keep an eye out for newly arrived
winter residents. New birders and teens are welcomed.
For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch
Nature Center. $5. #612946-E
FALL FUNGI 101 HIKE
Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 - 3pm
Don't be stumped by spores or mystified by mycelium!
Get to know these ancient organisms and the basics of
mushroom identification, then we'll walk the park to
find some fantastic fungi and practice our ID skills.
Teens welcomed. For information: 703-228-3403.
Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center. $10. #612846-D
A WALK IN THE WOODS
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 10 - 11:30am
Join a naturalist for a no-set-agenda walk in the fall
woods at Glencarlyn Park during the midweek quiet.
We’ll let the sights, sounds and smells of the season
lead us on a leisurely-paced exploration of nature in
autumn. For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long
Branch Nature Center. Free. #612946-D
PUTTING YOUR NATURE PICTURES TO
GOOD USE
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7 - 8pm
Do you spend a lot of time outdoors, watching or
photographing plants and animals? We'll Explore Bug
Guide, eBird, iNaturalist, and more to find out how
your outdoor photography can contribute to a much
bigger scientific snapshot of the natural world. We'll
also share species information and ID tips. For
information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch
Nature Center. Free. #612846-E
BIRDING TRIP TO HUNTLEY
MEADOWS PARK
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 9am - 3pm
Search for fall migrants at Huntley
Meadows, an oasis of forest and
marshland in Northern Virginia.
Reptiles, amphibians and dragonflies
will also be visible. There will be
approximately 1-2 miles of walking
on mostly flat, unpaved surfaces. $45.
#612846-A
OCCOQUAN BAY NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE BIRDING
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 9am - 3pm
Explore Occoquan Bay in search of
fall migrant songbirds and shorebirds.
The refuge's grasslands, freshwater
tidal marshes, and bottomland forests
are also home to many interesting
year-round residents. There will be
approximately 2-3 miles of walking
on gently rolling, unpaved surfaces.
$45. #612846-B
BIRDING BLANDY FARM AND
SKY MEADOWS
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 8am - 5pm
Join us on this excursion to parks on
opposite sides of the Blue Ridge
Mountains in Virginia where we'll
look for fall migrants, including
sparrows and raptors. There will be
approximately 2-3 miles of walking
on mostly gently rolling, unpaved
surfaces. $45. #612846-C
4 The SNAG — Arlington County’s Guide to Nature and History Programs
Fun for Nature-Loving Families Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Campfire Evening Magic
Gulf Branch Nature Center
Scurrying Squirrels Campfire
Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 - 8pm #612856-A
Insect Songs Campfire
Saturday, Sept. 17, 7 - 8pm #612856-B
Marvelous Millipedes Campfire
Friday, Sept. 23, 7 - 8pm #612856-C
Wondrous Woodpeckers Campfire
Saturday, Oct. 22, 6 - 7pm #612856-D
Three Owls Campfire
Friday, Oct. 28, 6 - 7pm #612856-E
Blacksmithing Campfire
Saturday, Nov. 5, 6 - 7pm #612856-F
Long Branch Nature Center
Reptiles and Amphibians Campfire
Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 - 8pm #612956-A
Nature Songs and Stories Campfire
Saturday, Oct. 1, 7 - 8pm #612956-B
Jack-O-Lantern Campfire
with Costume Contest!
Friday, Oct. 14, 6 - 7pm #612956-C
Popcorn Campfire
Friday, Oct. 21, 6 - 7pm #612956-D
First Thanksgiving Campfire
Saturday, Nov. 12, 6 - 7pm #612956-E
The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch amphitheater or the Gulf Branch Fire Ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. These engaging
programs will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! For
information call the campfire location. $5 per person; $20 max. per family.
Gulf Branch Programs
MILKWEED SAFARI
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 - 11am
Families ages 5 and up. Who lives in and on our milkweed plants? From mighty
monarchs to tiny ants, we'll meet a whole community of critters. $5. #612856-H
EEL QUEST: HIKE AND CAMPFIRE
Saturday, Oct. 8, 7 - 8:30pm
Families ages 5 and up. Join us at the Gulf Branch Fire Ring for lots of fun and
s'mores, as we learn about our American eels. Then we'll hike along the creek,
hoping to spy some of these nocturnal critters. Bring flashlights. $7. #612856-I
LETTERBOXING MYSTERY HIKE
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2 - 3pm
Families. Letterboxing is the low-tech version of geocaching, solving clues and
following directions to find hidden caches. Follow our trail of clues and directions to
solve an autumn mystery. $5. #612856-J
FUN FALL FAMILY HIKE
Sunday, Nov. 27, 2:30 - 4pm
Families ages 5 and up. We’ll hike to a great view of the Potomac, while searching for
the signs of fall, the last wildflowers, busy squirrels, and more. Bring a snack to eat by
the river, if you aren't still full from Thanksgiving! $5. #612856-K
Long Branch Programs
SPIDER SCAVENGER HUNT
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2 - 3pm
Families ages 3 and up. Can you find all the spiders hiding along the trails? There will
be paper wolf spiders, black widows, fishing spiders and tarantulas for your family to
find. Afterwards, we’ll get to see a real live giant spider! $5. #612956-H
EXCURSIÓN BILINGÜE POR EL PARQUE / BILINGUAL WALK
Domingo / Sunday, Oct. 2, 11am - 12:30pm
Familias. Registrar a los niños y adultos; los niños deben estar acompañados por un
adulto registrado. Bienvenidos a una excursión bilingüe por el parque. Nos
encontraremos en el Centro de Naturaleza Long Branch. Conoceremos a los
animales en el centro y caminaremos por el parque para observar y hacer preguntas
sobre la naturaleza. Traiga una bebida y un bocadillo. Gratis. Families. Welcome to a
bilingual walk in the park. We’ll meet at the Long Branch Nature Center to learn
about the animals there and then hike in the park to explore local nature. Bring a
drink and a snack. Free. #612956-I
ANIMAL SHOWTIME!
Saturday, Oct. 8, 1 - 2pm
Families. Come meet and learn all about the resident animals here at Long Branch.
There will be snakes, insects, amphibians and our local celebrity Stumpy, the Box
Turtle! We’ll also play some Q & A games for prizes! $5. #612956-G
BIRD WALK FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 - 10:30am
Families ages 6 and up. Bird watching is a great family activity! Learn the basics of
binoculars, field guides, identification and finding birds. Then we’ll get a little birding
practice around the nature center and be ready for spring migration next year.
Loaner binoculars are available. Free. #612956-L
Fall 2016 5
Critter Club: Keeping Mini-Beasts! Ages 10 to 13. Get ready to (temporarily) own all sorts of mini-beasts and have a series of amazing,
unique pets! Learn all about different animals’ lives while caring for them for a month. At each session
you’ll return last month’s critters, and learn about and receive new ones. Over the year we’ll work our
way up to more demanding critters - - graduating with tadpoles next spring! Fee covers all three
sessions and includes everything you’ll need: a container, food, bedding, the critters themselves and
more. For information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center. $30: additional $20
materials fee for first time participants paid on-site. #612826-E
CHIMNEY SWIFTS PUT ON A SHOW! Friday, Sept. 16, 7 - 8pm
Families ages 6 and up. Each September Chimney Swifts put on an
amazing show; hundreds gather, swirl then disappear. We’ll learn
about their lives, then walk to a nearby prime viewing location to
enjoy the show! For information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Walter
Reed Community Center, 2909 S. 16th Street, Arlington. $5.
#612856-G
Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead Saturday, Oct. 29, 5:30 - 7pm
Familias. Registrar a los niños y adultos; los
niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto
registrado. Celebra el Día de los Muertos con
nosotros para una noche de diversión.
Haremos calaveras –máscaras decorativas
hechas de azúcar. Habra refrescos. Tambien
conoceremos a unos animales nocturnos de
cerca y haremos una caminata divertida por
el bosque lleno de velas. Para información:
703-228-6535. Se reúne en Long Branch
Nature Center. $5. #612956-K
Families. Register children and adults,
children must be accompanied by a
registered adult. Come Celebrate the Day of
the Dead with us for a night of family fun.
We’ll make Calaveras, the decorative sugar
skull masks, enjoy holiday snacks and see
some night animals up close. Afterward, we’ll
go on a fun, not scary, night hike through the
candlelit forest. For information: 703-228-
6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center.
$5. #612956-K
More Family Fun Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
MARVELOUS MILKWEED BUGS
Friday, Sept. 9, 4:30 - 5:30pm
SUPER SLUGS AND SNAILS
Friday, Oct. 7, 4:30 - 5:30pm
WONDERFUL WORMS
Friday, Nov. 4, 4:30 - 5:30pm
I wish I had
a shell!
STORY FEST Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 - 4pm
Families ages 3 and up. The Arlington Spellbinders will unleash the power of oral
storytelling with favorite tales from around the world. Since ancient times, this oral
tradition has passed on wisdom, connected elders to youth and engaged the imagination.
For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center. Free. #612956-J
6 The SNAG — Arlington County’s Guide to Nature and History Programs
For Young Naturalists Register children only. Adults are welcome to attend, but not required to do so.
Gulf Branch Programs
MAKE YOUR OWN WALKING STICK
Friday, Sept. 2, 7 - 8pm
Ages 6 to 12. Any time of year is a good time for exploring, and what better tool for
it than your very own walking stick! Pick out a stick, make a grip for it, and
personalize it with your initials or other decorative touches. $10. #612826-D
CENTIPEDES, MILLIPEDES AND WOODLOUSES, OH MY!
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:30 - 11:30am
Ages 6 to 10. Centipedes, millipedes and woodlouse’s all have many more legs than
insects. Find out how they are similar and different to each other, and meet them up
close. Then we'll take a walk to learn how to find them in nature. $5. #612826-F
SEASHELL WORKSHOP: CARRIER SHELLS
Sunday, Nov. 6, 1:30 - 2:30pm
Ages 7 to 11. Come learn about ocean invertebrates and the interesting animals that
live in them. We’ll meet the ocean's master of disguise! Clue into some clever
camouflage and create your own carrier snail shell inspired craft. $5. #612826-G
FEATHERS, FINS AND FUR
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:30 - 11:30am
Ages 6 to 10. Animals have a variety of body coverings. Come learn about fins, fur,
feathers and how skin helps with survival. We'll also see and touch some animals up
close. $5. #612826-H
Long Branch Programs
ANIMAL SENSES
Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 - 2pm
Ages 6 to 10. Eagle eyes, rabbit ears, catfish whiskers… how do animal use their
senses differently or the same as humans? We’ll do experiments and games to
examine how animals use their senses in nature hike challenges. $5. #612926-D
LEAF ART
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2 - 3pm
Ages 6 to 10. Join us for a hike through the forest to collect leaves for making
artwork back in our classroom. We can paint and decorate our leaves, make rubbings
and do all sorts of beautiful artwork. $5. #612926-E
MUSHROOM HUNT
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 3 - 4:30pm
Ages 6 to 12. Join us on an early release day for a hike through Long Branch as we
search for stinkhorns, dead man's fingers, witches butter, tree ears, chicken of the
woods and other mushrooms. Learn more about these and other members of the
Fungi Kingdom. $5. #612926-F
LITTER CRITTERS
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 - 3pm
Ages 6 to 10. We’ll hunt in the fallen leaves for crickets, centipedes, millipedes and
other litter critters and learn how they enrich soil, keep leaves from piling up, and
make homes on and in the ground. $5. #612926-G
NATURE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY HIKE
Sunday, Nov. 20, 1:30 - 3pm
Ages 8 to 12. Ages 8 to 12. Come photograph nature around the Long Branch
Nature Center and get some tips on how to take pictures, learn about local wildlife
and get a chance to take pictures of some live nature center animals. Bring the
camera of your choice. $5. #612926-H
FREE PLAY DAY Ages 5 to 9. Register child only. Give kids unstructured time they can call their own.
Your child will love this chance to explore our woods, make mud pies, throw rocks in
the creek and just be free. Free.
SURVIVAL SKILLS Ages 8 to 12. Learn hands-on traditional survival skills! $7.
NAVIGATING
Fri., Sept. 30, 4 - 5:15pm
Work with compasses and
maps to find your way
through unfamiliar
territory. We'll also learn
how to read the land and
sun for direction.
#612926-A
FIRE BUILDING
Fri., Oct. 21, 4 - 5:15pm
Start a fire - - and keep it
alive! We will cover
everything; from where to
place a fire pit, how to find
tinder and a sparking rock,
and making and using a bow
drill. #612926-B
SHELTER BUILDING
Fri., Nov. 18, 4 - 5:15pm
We’ll learn how and where
to build temporary shelters
to keep you warm and dry.
We'll cover choosing
support branches, closing
drafts and finding insulating
materials. #612926-C
Sunday, Sept. 11,
2 - 3:30pm #612826-A
Sunday, Oct. 9,
2 - 3:30pm #612826-B
Saturday, Nov. 5,
2 - 3:30pm #612826-C
Fall 2016 7
For Preschoolers & Tiny Tots
Gulf Branch Nature Center
CRICKET MUSIC
Join us to learn about crickets, the masters of autumn
music. We will explore the cricket life cycle, habitats, and
listen to an orchestra of six-legged musicians.
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1 - 2pm #612816-A
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1 - 2pm #612816-B
Thursday, Sept. 8, 1 - 2pm #612816-C
Friday, Sept. 9, 1 - 2pm #612816-D
MONARCH MIGRATION
Come and discover the wonders of the Monarch migration. We
will learn fun butterfly facts and study their autumn flight to the
Mexican Oyamel fir forests.
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 1 - 2pm #612816-E
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1 - 2pm #612816-F
Thursday, Oct. 6, 1 - 2pm #612816-G
Friday, Oct. 7, 1 - 2pm #612816-H
ROCK ON!
Ever wonder where rocks come from? Share in our discovery
of rocks and minerals. We’ll also explore the many uses of rocks
and minerals in our everyday life.
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 1 - 2pm #612816-I
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1 - 2pm #612816-J
Thursday, Nov. 3, 1 - 2pm #612816-K
Friday, Nov. 4, 1 - 2pm #612816-L
Long Branch Nature Center
BUSY BEARS
Fall is a busy time for bears as they get ready for their
long winter nap. We’ll explore the lives of bears through
a story, role-playing, a nature hike and a craft.
Saturday, Sept. 10, 10:30 - 11:30am #612916-A
Thursday, Sept. 15, 10:30 - 11:30am #612916-B
Thursday, Sept. 15, 3:30 - 4:30pm #612916-C
Friday, Sept. 16, 10:30 - 11:30am #612916-D
FURRY FRIENDS
Have you ever seen a deer, beaver or coyote up close?
We’ll get to examine pelts, meet live animals and take
your favorite animal doll on a nature hike.
Saturday, Oct. 1, 1 - 2pm #612916-I
Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 - 2pm #612916-J
Thursday, Oct. 6, 1 - 2pm #612916-K
Friday, Oct. 7, 10 - 11am #612916-L
COLOR SCIENCE
Join us for hands-on learning all about colors. We'll
experiment with paint combinations, how we view the
world around us and why plants change colors.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 10:30 - 11:30am #612916-E
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 10:30 - 11:30am #612916-F
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 4 - 5pm #612916-G
Thursday, Nov. 17, 4 - 5pm #612916-H
PRESCHOOL NATURE EXPLORERS
Ages 3 to 5. Preschoolers can actively explore their natural world with programs that build
the foundation for a lifetime of wonder, appreciation and discovery. Hands-on interactive
learning, crafts, mini-hikes and nature play provide a fun and engaging experience for your
children. Parents can leave the classroom but must remain in the building. $5.
TINY TOT NATURE FUN!
Ages 18 to 35 months. Introduce your child
to nature. These programs are designed to
help children and caregivers feel comfortable
exploring and enjoying our natural world.
Caregivers must stay with their child. $5.
Gulf Branch Nature Center
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 10 - 10:45am #612816-M
Friday, Sept. 9, 10 - 10:45am #612816-N
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 10 - 10:45am #612816-O
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 10 - 10:45am #612816-P
Friday, Oct. 7, 10 - 10:45am #612816-Q
Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 - 10:45am #612816-R
Friday, Nov. 4, 10 - 10:45am #612816-S
Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 - 10:45am #612816-T
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 10 - 10:45am #612816-U
Long Branch Nature Center
Thursday, Sept. 22, 10 - 10:45am #612916-M
Friday, Sept. 23, 10 - 10:45am #612916-N
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10:30 - 11:15am #612916-O
Thursday, Oct. 20, 10 - 10:45am #612916-P
Friday, Oct. 21, 10 - 10:45am #612916-Q
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:30 - 11:15am #612916-R
Thursday, Nov. 17, 10 - 10:45am #612916-S
Friday, Nov. 18, 10 - 10:45am #612916-T
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:30 - 11:15am #612916-U
Nature Storytime
Families ages 2 and up. Register children only.
For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long
Branch Nature Center. Free.
CHIPMUNK STORYTIME
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 10:30 - 11am
Scurry in for some stories about chipmunks and
their friends. #612916-W
(POP)CORN STORYTIME
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10:30 - 11am
Pop on over for fun and stories about our favorite
corny snack. #612916-V
WORMY STORYTIME
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 10:30 - 11am
We'll wiggle like worms while we read stories and
see some real worms up close! #612916-X
How to Sign Up!
REGISTRATION OPENS for Arlington
residents Monday, August 15. Non-resident
registration opens Tuesday, August 16.
Registration deadline: Participants must
register by 4pm the day before a program. The
day of the program, please call the program site
if you have not yet registered to check availability.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Online: If you have a digital SNAG, click on the
hyperlinked program number and you will
automatically go to program registration. You can
also register online by going to https://
registration.arlingtonva.us. You can browse
our offerings as a ‘Guest’, but you must log in to
register for a program. If you do not have an
account, you can create one online or call 703-
228-4747 for help.
Phone: Call the Registration Office at 703-228-
4747, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.
Walk-in: Go to the Registration Office at 3700
S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206,
Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.
FEES
The listed fee is per participant unless otherwise
stated. Most program fees are charged at
registration. Some program fees will be charged
at the program site (cash or check only, no credit
cards please). See program write-up for details.
FEE REDUCTION
We do not want our fees to be a barrier to
participation. Call 703-228-4747 for information
on the County’s fee reduction policy.
CANCELLATIONS
Notify Registration as soon as possible so we may
contact someone from the waiting list.
Cancellations on the day of the program should
be made directly with the program site.
REFUNDS
Full refunds will be automatically processed
within 30 days when classes are canceled by DPR
due to weather, insufficient enrollment or other
unforeseen reasons. Transfers from one program
section to another may be requested through the
Registration Office at 703-228-4747, prior to the
start of the program. No refunds or credits if
participants are unable to attend a program.
WEATHER
Indoor programs are cancelled in conjunction
with the Arlington County’s school closings
policy. Outdoor programs may be cancelled due
to rain or other inclement weather - call nature
centers for more information.
MODIFICATIONS
Arlington County can provide upon request
reasonable modifications for people with
disabilities. Two weeks advance notice is
preferred. Call 703-228-4740. TTY: 711.
8 The SNAG — Arlington County’s Guide to Nature and History Programs
Fall Heritage Festival Gulf Branch Nature Center
Saturday, October 15, 1 - 5pm
Each fall we gather around the Walker Log House to celebrate our nation’s
heritage. Join us this year for a family-friendly day of fun. Step back into history
and try your hand at some old-time games and crafts, make a corn husk doll, try
on a coon-skin cap, or work the cider press! Write with a quill pen or churn butter
and enjoy old-time music. Bring your old pants and shirt to make a scarecrow,
child sizes work best! Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration
needed. For information: 703-228-3403. Only $5 per person!
Native Plant Sale Long Branch Nature Center
Saturday, September 17, 1 - 4pm
Want to beautify your yard? Then it is time to go Native! We are offering a great selection of plants that
are accustomed to local climate and wildlife. We have gorgeous natives for sun to shade, and even deer
resistant plants. This Fall we our offering trees and shrubs as well as perennials in our Pre-order Sale!
See our order form for more information and to pre-order your plants today! The order form can be
emailed to you, picked up at either nature center or you can order online at: registration.arlingtonva.us.
On the day of the sale we’ll also have a wider selection to choose from on-site. Payment can be made by
cash, check or credit card. For information: 703-228-6535.
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 - 4pm
Ages 12 and up. Using all-natural items we’ll create some
delightfully decorative crafts you can use to spruce up your home
or to give as special gifts. We’ll provide music, refreshments,
basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to
make at least two seasonal decorations. Participants should bring
hand pruners or wire cutters (if you have them) and any extra
materials or special decorations you may wish to add.
For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature
Center. $30. #622946-A
